HB157 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Micky Hammon

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Kerry RichTerri CollinsLynn GreerWes LongRichard BaughnBecky Nordgren

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Human Resources Department, TANF, food stamps, or Medicaid applicants, random tests for substance abuse based on appearance or demeanor implying under influence of controlled substances, required, ineligibility under certain conditions, positive tests not admissible in criminal proceedings, department to administer pursuant to Administrative Procedure Act

Summary

HB157 would require the Department of Human Resources to randomly test adults receiving or applying for TANF, SNAP, or Medicaid for substance abuse, with certain appearance-based screening and new ineligibility and rulemaking requirements.

What This Bill Does

The Department of Human Resources would design and run a substance abuse screening program that tests adults by blood or urine for controlled substances. Adults applying for TANF, SNAP, or Medicaid could be screened if a case worker thinks their appearance or demeanor suggests possible intoxication. An adult would be ineligible for benefits if they do not participate in the testing or test positive for prohibited substances. Test results would not be admissible in criminal cases without consent, and the department would create implementing rules under the Administrative Procedure Act.

Who It Affects

• Adults receiving TANF, SNAP, or Medicaid would be subject to random testing and could lose benefits if they refuse to be tested or test positive for controlled substances.
• Adults applying for TANF, SNAP, or Medicaid could be required to be screened if their appearance or demeanor suggests possible intoxication, with ineligibility if they do not participate or test positive.
• The Department of Human Resources would be responsible for administering the testing program and for creating the rules to implement the act.

Key Provisions

• Section 1(a): DHR must design and implement a random substance abuse screening program for adults receiving TANF, SNAP, or Medicaid, including blood or urine tests for controlled substances.
• Section 1(b): An adult applying for TANF, SNAP, or Medicaid must be screened when a case worker determines appearance or demeanor suggests possible intoxication.
• Section 1(c): An adult is ineligible for public assistance if they do not participate in the screening or test positive for a Schedule I substance or any Schedule II-V substance not prescribed.
• Section 1(d): Test results cannot be used in criminal proceedings without the person’s consent.
• Section 1(e): The Commissioner of the Department shall issue implementing rules under the Administrative Procedure Act to design, operate, and train personnel for the program.
• Section 2: The act takes effect on the first day of the third month after its passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Human Resources Department